National

The Heated Race for PLP Chairman

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Progressive Liberal Party’s 55th National Convention ended on a high note with a show of unity as the two-day event closed by honoring the late Obie Wilchombe.

Published

12 months ago

December 28, 2023

Jasmin Brown

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Progressive Liberal Party’s 55th National Convention ended on a high note with a show of unity as the two-day event closed by honoring the late Obie Wilchombe.

Amid the sea of yellow and energetic speeches, there was a heated race for a top party post that was preceded by a chaotic voting process.

In the weeks leading up to November 9th, it seemed like no top post would be challenged.

That was until former PLP Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson threw down the gauntlet and announced he would run for chairman against current chair Fred Mitchell.

The pair had been at odds since Obie Wilchcombe died on September 25, leaving his West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat vacant.

Gibson’s interest in West Grand Bahama and Bimini quickly became known. However, Mitchell made it clear that only candidates who had expressed interest in the seat in 2021 would be considered.

But Gibson wasn’t the only one who had eyes on becoming chair of the party so did former senator Robyn Lynes.

Her interest prompted Gibson to drop out of the race and back her.

And on November 10th the two would face off as hundreds of PLPs cast their votes.

But in the end it would be Mitchell who was re-elected as the party’s chairman after he secured 885 votes, while Lynes secured 625 votes.

When the results were announced, Mitchell’s supporters erupted in celebration, shouting “One Leader, One Chairman.”